Some consider January 1 a time for new beginnings; but for me, I look forward to spring — when the flowers bloom, the sun and rain take turns ruling the day, and inner transformation comes out of hibernation. It reminds me of Isaiah 43, verses 18 and 19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
Spring is a time of transformation at Ascension, too. It’s an opportunity to renew our focus on our culture and seek ways to enhance the experience of our associates, consumers and patients alike.
In this issue, we delve into some of the ways we’re bringing programs to life with a fresh perspective. You will read about the students featured on the front cover and what a day of learning about science and medicine meant to them. We
review the new Service Commitments and how this work will enable us to live out our Mission even more fully through kindness, listening and serving. Taking a new look at a tried-and-true concept, you will see how a renewed focus on rounding has accelerated our culture of safety. And you will be inspired through stories of fellow associates who share why they chose to stay at Ascension.
I hope this spring you will take time to step back and appreciate the many gifts you have received, and the gifts you bring to Ascension every day. Thank you for answering the call to serve, and enjoy reading about the experiences and programs featured in this issue of Good Day Ascension.
Joseph R. Impicciche, JD, MHA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Good Day Ascension is published by Ascension Marketing and Communications for associates and family members across our integrated national health ministry. Stories in Good Day Ascension support our One Ascension journey and reflect the commitment of associates, clinicians and volunteers across the health ministry to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.
Executive Editor: Nick Ragone, JD, nick.ragone@ascension.org
Editor: Ted Siegel, ted.siegel@ascension.org
Design and Production: dcpubs.com
To share comments, ask questions or suggest articles for Good Day Ascension, please email GoodDay@ascension.org, or send a note to Editor, Good Day Ascension, Ascension Marketing and Communications, 4600 Edmundson Road, St. Louis, MO 63134.
All content copyright 2023 Ascension. Republication or any other use of the contents of Good Day Ascension without the express written consent of Ascension is prohibited. Any reference to or depiction of a product or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by Ascension. Online version available at Ascension.org/goodday.
Our Mission: Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered, holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.
“Spring is a time of transformation at Ascension, too. It’s an opportunity to renew our focus on our culture and seek ways to enhance the experience of our associates, consumers and patients alike.”
An event for middle schoolers sponsored by the Ascension Foundation encourages young people to consider science careers.
Listening is key in the Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast Ministry Market. ... Sumi Alias receives a DAISY Award. ... Clinicians are thriving through evidence-based practice. ... Nurses choose our 2023 theme.
Ascension is addressing food and nutrition insecurity of associates in need.
The New Beginnings program supports the health and safety of young immigrants.
Ascension takes a holistic approach to improving care for those with diabetes.
4 Mailbox
Patients and families share letters of thanks to caregivers.
5 Inspiration
Responding with reverence in everyday encounters.
6
Service Commitments reflect a new, unified approach. ... High-reliability practices advance safety and quality for patients. ... Spiritual Care’s unique role in the clinical setting. ... Foundation leaders share best practices through the Ascension Philanthropy Leadership Council.
Meet Richard Fogel, MD, FACC, FHRS, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer.
13
Spring-clean your sleep hygiene.
What’s happening around the ministry.
A personal trauma brings purpose to the work of Kevin Morton, DO, Medical Director and Trauma Surgeon, Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Madison Heights Campus, Michigan.
THE GOOD DAY ASCENSION TEAM WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE IN THIS MAGAZINE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE EDITIONS. SEND YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO GOODDAY@ASCENSION.ORG.
I was scared to death when I had a callback on my mammogram. But everyone, including the scheduler, receptionist and technician, treated me with such kindness and good information that my fears were alleviated. Kara [Valenzuela], the ultrasound technician, is a real gem. She is personable and competent and made me feel calm and comfortable.
Patient at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Our daughter is doing great, and a large part of it is thanks to Dr. [Monica] Wehby, who’s now an honorary member of the family. I told her she’s stuck with us! She can’t get rid of us, even if she wanted to.
Mother of patient at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis
I’d like to give feedback about the exceptional care my dear friend received after a sexual assault. She was in shock as we entered Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Every nurse and doctor treated us with kindness, patience and understanding. We will forever be grateful to Rachel Cortez, SANE Nurse.
Friend of patient at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus
The entire seven-month experience I had at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown was incredible. The nurses would come in and say, “You are our life and motivation.” The other patients and I would look at them and say, “Are you kidding? You are our motivation! Thank
you for being so positive through our whole experience.”
Patient at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee
The Emergency Center physicians and staff were just great! l felt very secure in their care and in the decisions they made for my tests and treatment. lt makes a big difference when you come in upset and not knowing what you need, and everyone is gentle, cheerful and reassuring.
Patient at Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit
I am extremely grateful for the phenomenal care my nurse provided. She was thorough, an excellent listener and clearly understood how to treat patients. I cannot thank you enough for giving me my life back.
Patient at Ascension Bay View Clinic, Milwaukee
A special shoutout to [Robert Guise] working in X-ray. He was incredible with my mom. She has great mobility struggles and can barely walk. His positivity, kindness and encouragement made it so much easier on her. He even recognized what a struggle it was for me to get her in the car and walked up front with us so he could help. What a wonderful guy! Bless your heart, you made our day!
Daughter of patient at Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital, Allegan, Michigan
[T]he care I recently received in the emergency room was the best care and treatment I’ve experienced in a long time. The nursing team was top notch. Nurse
Becky Weaver cared for me and she was a refreshing breath of air in the ER! I had a CT scan, and X-ray tech Kari Garcia was very considerate of my condition. In addition, nurse Mary Conley assisted in getting my IV started as my vessels aren’t the best, but she got it on the first attempt.
Patient at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital, Saginaw, Michigan
We [went] to Ascension Genesys Hospital, since it’s so close to our home. A nurse did triage in the foyer and I was taken back for an intake within a couple of minutes. Within a short amount of time, I saw an ER doc and a resident. … The care I received was top notch, professional and also very caring. My experience could not have been better.
Patient at Ascension Genesys Hospital, Grand Blanc, Michigan
I was treated by Dr. Elizabeth Larive and she and the nursing staff “rocked.” I want to thank them for a job well done and let them know that they are appreciated.
Patient at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Madison Heights Campus, Michigan
I lost 25 pounds by attending the wellness center at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, and that has been a goal for me for 40 years. The wellness program taught me how to eat, how to exercise, and just be healthy. I probably wouldn’t be sitting here today if it wasn’t for my stents and continued support through Ascension Saint Thomas.
Patient at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
As one of Ascension’s six Values, Reverence is defined as respect and compassion for the dignity and diversity of life. This Value is rooted in one of the fundamental principles of our Catholic ministry identity and Catholic social teaching, which is the principle of life and dignity of the human person. Created in the image and likeness of God, each and every individual possesses inherent, inalienable human dignity beyond measure. Our ABIDE (Appreciation -
Belongingness - Inclusivity - Diversity - Equity) framework and new Service Commitments (see page 6) flow directly from our Values and provide a litmus test relative to the authenticity and consistency with which we’re living them. Our Mission is rooted in the healing ministry of Jesus, who healed with compassion and honored the dignity of all — without judgment. When we truly set out to honor the dignity of those around us, we begin to see the value inherent in every person we meet — fellow associates, patients, guests and everyone with whom we interact.
Consider: What does Reverence look like for you? Where have you witnessed it in your work and in your interactions?
Call to action:
Over the coming month, think about how you can practice Reverence, especially in everyday encounters. Then write it down.
Prayer:
God whose love knows no bounds, fill us with the spirit of Reverence. As we cultivate respect and compassion for the dignity and diversity of all life, may we see the sacred essence and love of God in every person we encounter. We ask this in Your good and holy name. Amen.
“All life has inestimable value; even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.”
— Pope Francis
SERVICE COMMITMENTS REFLECT A NEW UNIFIED APPROACH
“I just needed someone to hold my hand and she reached out and grabbed it. She held it all the way to the OR. I want to say thank you for your kindness.”
“I must have nearly exhausted [my physician] with all my questions, but he was always willing to explain every detail.”
“Day after day when my daughter’s future was uncertain, I sought the comfort of the cafeteria simply for the uplifting support I felt every time I entered. Staff asking how I was, asking about my daughter, truly touching. I hope that you all understand that your work is so much more than simply feeding people. You are feeding people’s souls.”
Each of these patient experiences exemplifies the Values and behaviors Ascension associates have always dedicated themselves to, in service to our ministry. This spring, simplified Service Commitments will be introduced across Ascension to further deliver on our Mission. Three memorable Service Commitments were developed to support the Ascension Strategic Plan as part of Ascension’s Consumer Experience strategy. Our Service Commitments call each associate to “ Extend kindness, Listen to understand and Serve together.”
Ascension’s Mission and Values call each associate to respect inherent human dignity and serve as advocates for a compassionate and just society through actions and words. They also inspire us to serve all persons with special care and attention. Associates are called to extend kindness to themselves and to others through the following habits:
• Respect Inherent Human Dignity.
• Engage with Compassion.
• Create Personalized Moments.
• Express Gratitude.
We honor the dignity of the whole person by listening to patients, associates and the communities they serve. When one seeks to understand what someone is saying and asking for, one begins to comprehend how they experience the world and are connected to a greater purpose. Associates will be encouraged to more fully incorporate the following habits into their daily routines:
• Connect to Our Greater Purpose.
• Be Fully Present.
• Gather Perspectives.
• Build Shared Understanding.
When we proactively look for ways to assist others, collaborate for success, and take action in meaningful and intentional ways that reflect our Mission, we demonstrate our shared calling and solidarity. Associates will successfully serve together when they:
• Demonstrate Solidarity.
• Take Initiative.
• Promote Teamwork.
• Exceed Expectations.
“Our markets have had service standards in place that have served Ascension, and those we care for, well,” said Carol Campbell, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, Ascension. “But changing consumer needs and expectations are inspiring a new, simplified approach, one that is centered around providing best-in-class experiences — growing trust, removing friction and reducing stress; amplifying the care for all we serve; and delivering unexpected moments of delight.”
As a habit of the commitment to extend kindness, associates are called to create personalized moments, focusing on individualized interactions that evoke an authentic and unexpectedly delightful emotional connection — a moment of delight. It’s an unforgettable, positive moment for our patients and family members within their healthcare journey — one that helps shape their overall experience and impression of Ascension. These moments are observable, repeatable, tangible ways associates live Ascension’s Mission and demonstrate a ministry-wide culture of service that is uniquely Ascension.
In fact, consumers who experience one of these unexpected moments of delight typically rate their Net Promoter Score (NPS), or likelihood to recommend Ascension to others, higher than those who have a good experience but no “moment of delight.” As of January 2023, our Real-Time Listening (measuring NPS) baseline data showed approximately 23% of respondents had a moment of delight, with an 80.7 NPS score among patients who had a moment of delight and a 67.3 NPS score among patients who did not have a moment of delight. That’s a 13.4-point difference!
“These moments are part of associates’ day-to-day interactions with consumers and patients and help create a healthcare experience that is both memorable for the patient and easily facilitated and sustainable by associates,” said Joseph R. Impicciche, JD, MHA, Chief Executive Officer, Ascension. “Our Service Commitments will enable and inspire our associates to live our Mission every day and create ‘holy moments’ for those we’re privileged to serve.”
The new Service Commitments align with Ascension’s strategic priorities and establish the principles that will be universally known and
practiced throughout Ascension, replacing similar efforts from the past while building on their success. They also support the ABIDE framework — Appreciation – Belongingness – Inclusivity – Diversity – Equity — to help foster a more inclusive culture that celebrates diversity to better serve patients and each other.
Inviting associates to embrace the Service Commitments is just one part of the ongoing, larger Consumer Experience effort to clearly define what constitutes an exceptional healthcare experience and integrating those concepts into human, physical and digital experiences.
“Our associates are what make the Ascension Experience so special. Our new Service Commitments bring a more unified and clearly defined approach to continue to deliver meaningful moments that show our commitment to our consumers,” Carol said.
Associates are encouraged to reflect on the new Service Commitments and find ways to incorporate them into their daily routines and as they interact with patients, patient family members and colleagues. Additional communications and resources about our Service Commitments can be found at gdaintranet.ascension.org/cx/service-commitments.
Use the QR code to watch a short video that underscores our commitment to this work. All associates are invited to join in recommitting to providing safe and uncompromised care to all those we serve and serve beside.
Providing safe, high-quality care is critical to our Mission and our dedication to exceeding patient expectations to make Ascension the healthcare provider of choice in the communities we serve.
Ascension committed to being a high-reliability organization (HRO) more than a decade ago and has since adopted HRO principles and accompanying safety behaviors. Over the next 18 months, we will be amplifying our Culture of Safety work by continuing to model these high-reliability behaviors and practices. This includes a commitment to transparency, communication, education and learning.
“Enhanced leadership safety rounds will help guide intentional conversations with members of our
care teams,” said Richard Fogel, MD, FACC, FHRS, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension. “New educational opportunities will also be provided, as we work in partnership to foster an ‘all teach, and all learn’ environment.”
“Safety should not be considered an initiative, but instead is a shared, continuous and collective process
that is constantly evolving and rewards committed and involved individuals and teams,” said Sally Deitch, MSN, MHA, RN, FACHE, Executive Vice President, Nursing and Operations Infrastructure, Ascension. “This work encompasses every level of our national ministry. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. ”
ASCENSION’S CULTURE OF SAFETY
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Enhanced leadership safety rounds will help guide intentional conversations with members of our care teams. New educational opportunities will also be provided, as we work in partnership to foster an ‘all teach, and all learn’ environment.”
— RICHARD FOGEL, MD, FACC, FHRS, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER, ASCENSION
The COVID-19 pandemic and research-driven data have affirmed the critical role of chaplains and other Spiritual Care providers as an integral part of caring for patients, their families and associates. Now, research is helping guide chaplains so their documentation can best contribute to positive patient outcomes.
Last September, Ascension officially designated the chaplain position as a clinical associate role. This recognition of the value of Spiritual Care encounters allows chaplains to interface more intentionally with other interdisciplinary team members to provide impactful care, and demonstrates their value as part of the clinical care team.
Chaplains provide assessments and plans of care just as other clinical staff members do. Like other acute care clinical associates, they make detailed notes in patient charts after visits.
To ensure that these notes are clear, beneficial and providing value for other interdisciplinary team members, Ascension’s Spiritual Care and Marketing and Communications teams worked together to survey providers who have access
to chaplain notes. “Our goal was to help ensure that chaplains’ notes contribute to the best outcomes for those we serve. The information we gathered from this survey is helping guide best practices for chaplain documentation moving forward,” said Antonina Olszewski, Vice President, Spiritual Care, Ascension. Based on that research, chaplains across Ascension have begun adopting these best practices in patient charting, further enhancing their value to patients, families and co-workers.
“We continue to look for new ways to broaden and deepen the understanding of the subject matter expertise our chaplains possess and the unique and invaluable contributions they make every day for our patients, for their loved ones and for our interdisciplinary clinical care teams,” said Tom VanOsdol, Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Integration Officer, Ascension.
“ Our goal was to help ensure that chaplains’ notes contribute to the best outcomes for those we serve. The information we gathered from this survey is helping guide best practices for chaplain documentation moving forward.”
— ANTONINA OLSZEWSKI, VICE PRESIDENT, SPIRITUAL CARE, ASCENSION
Across Ascension, philanthropic foundations based in the markets support our ministries financially through fundraising activities and personal outreach. The money raised goes to capital equipment, building projects, programs that help individuals receiving care, direct support for those in need and more.
Now, through the Ascension Philanthropy Leadership Council (APLC), leaders of these foundations have been sharing best practices and working together on forward-thinking approaches. Below, APLC Chair Ann Haupt, Vice President, Ascension Indiana Foundations, and Francesca Overwater, Vice President, Strategic Philanthropy, Ascension Foundation, talk about the work of the APLC and what the group looks forward to in the future.
Q: What are some benefits of the APLC?
Francesca: Over the past two years, the APLC established six multidisciplinary centers of excellence to develop more efficient and impactful structures in operations, finance and communications that both align with the System and support all market-based foundations as we help our ministries fulfill our Mission. This collaboration has helped make it possible for our foundations to
accomplish the critical work they do throughout the year to help our ministries expand access and services.
Ann: A major benefit of the APLC’s work has been to collect and share best practices and policies, spearheaded by the national Ascension Foundation, that work for all of our market-based foundations. This frees up our development team members to spend more time direct fundraising with donors and less time on the various organizational elements that each of our foundations needs to have in place. Developing strong relationships with donors is key to our foundations’ success in supporting our caregivers in their work.
Q: What’s next for the APLC?
Ann: The APLC is committed to building best-in-class fundraising teams. Ensuring each of our foundations is able to align fundraising priorities with the strategic direction of the hospitals in their market is imperative. Additionally, our fundraising boards are vital to our success. Equipping them to lead philanthropic outreach across our communities of donors is an area we believe we can all improve — all in service of our Mission.
Q: What changes have you seen as a result of the APLC?
Ann: I have had the opportunity to see the APLC grow in new directions and work with an incredible group of leaders. All of us have been able to grow both personally and professionally as a result of the relationships we have built among our foundation leaders, and as a result, our work in support of our ministries is that much stronger.
Francesca: Leading APLC initiatives has been really inspiring. The collaboration is successful because of the people. In the face of challenges and opportunities to develop and grow fundraising in all of Ascension’s foundations, there’s great solidarity, and the work is that much more enjoyable and meaningful when done together.
Finding the best care for you starts with a conversation between you and a doctor at Ascension sites of care. What sets us apart is our unrelenting commitment to advanced and high-quality care in our communities.
• Experienced heart specialists leading the way with advanced treatments, surgery and recovery
• Cancer care specialists and navigators with you from diagnosis through recovery
• Brain, spine and orthopedic specialists for movement disorders, spine care, joint replacements and more
• Women’s care for all women, including screenings, gynecologic and pregnancy care
And you’ll find we excel just as much in the things that can’t be measured — listening more closely and caring more compassionately.
Q. What clinical initiatives are you most excited about?
A: Our journey to zero harm, and achieving high reliability across our markets. I’m also excited about our Recognize and Rescue programs, in which clinical problems are quickly recognized and followed by an appropriate intervention. Additionally, we have major initiatives around improving the care of pregnant women and newborns, as well as programs to improve overall access to care and community health. I’m also concerned about the opioid epidemic and am excited about our programs and initiatives that will reduce death and suffering caused by opioid use disorder. Lastly, we’ve established a centralized research function that gives Ascension the capability to conduct research on an unprecedented clinical scale and keeps our providers and patients on the cutting edge of clinical medicine.
Q. What are your most pressing challenges?
Richard Fogel, MD, FACC, FHRS, joined the Ascension Leadership Team when he was named Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer in 2022. Previously, he led clinical efforts for Ascension’s former Clinical and Network Services team. A practicing cardiologist and electrophysiologist and former leader of Ascension Medical Group in Indiana, Dr. Fogel is winding down his practice to concentrate more fully on his work as Chief Clinical Officer, which includes responsibility for clinical performance across Ascension.
Q. Chief Clinical Officer is a broad title. What exactly are you charged with?
A. My main focus is quality and safety. Our team is focused on making sure our patients receive the highest quality of care and achieve the best possible outcomes. I want our patients to feel that their safety is prioritized. We also need to make certain that everyone we care for, especially the poor and vulnerable, receives access to the same level of care and safety. This is foundational to our identity.
A. There is enormous stress on the clinical workforce, including turnover. It’s difficult to build culture in a workforce when it’s dynamic and changing. I’m hopeful that we can stabilize by differentiating ourselves as mission-oriented, faith-based and patient-centric.
Q: If you were not in this career, what would you be doing?
A. I’d be a biomedical engineer. My father was an engineer, and being a problem-solver is in my DNA. At my core, I like solving problems and being a relational person. These skills have worked well for a physician who found his way into healthcare leadership.
Q: How would you describe your work ethic?
A: There’s a poem by Robert Frost called “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” that I’ve thought about for many years:
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.
I think the best is yet to come.
As the weather warms and days get longer, you may be thinking about your spring cleaning to-do list. However, it may be worth cleaning out some bad sleep habits as well. As explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sleep hygiene is defined as “healthy sleep habits that can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.” Here are a few practices to improve sleep quality.
It may sound illogical, but optimizing your sleep hygiene starts hours before bedtime. According to the CDC, being active during the daytime can help you fall asleep faster. This spring, consider implementing physical activity into your daily routine to secure your eight hours of sleep. It is essential to schedule your exercise at least a few hours before you go to sleep.
Another way to improve sleep before getting into bed is developing a relaxing nighttime routine. This can include activities such as drinking herbal, caffeine-free tea; taking a relaxing shower; changing into pajamas; or listening to a calming playlist. The CDC recommends minimizing screen
time and bright lights during this period, as light can make you feel more awake and disrupt your circadian rhythm.
Where you sleep is an integral part of a sleep hygiene routine. Ensuring your space is quiet, temperate, dark and relaxing can help you sleep better. You can accomplish this by using a fan, installing curtains and using a noise machine.
Being consistent with your daily bedtime is one of the most important elements of sleep habits. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can keep your body working correctly. It is best to choose these times so that you can get seven to eight hours of sleep nightly as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
By implementing these tactics in your sleep habits, you can help ensure you are well rested and energetic throughout the day and this season. Even with time changes, changing seasons and longer days, getting enough sleep continues to be one of the best things you can do for your health.
When more than 200 students from Haynes Middle School in Nashville, Tennessee, filed into Meharry Medical College, a historically Black medical school, last semester, they were unsure of what to expect. Any trepidation was overcome quickly when they were met with clapping, cheering, a host of fun science-based activities, and medical students who looked a lot like them.
Activity stations, including an obstacle course, a lifesize game of Operation, a spot for taking vitals, and a disco dance party that helped the students learn about CPR, had a deeper purpose than just fun. They were designed to inspire a group of kids who too often are discouraged from pursuing their dreams in healthcare and sciences to “Go Out And Love Science” (#GOALS).
Meharry medical, dental and doctoral students — who come from diverse backgrounds — led the activities for the middle schoolers.
“We are here with the students to make sure that they get the full exposure to see that you can go into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors, you can be a doctor, you can be a scientist, you can be a dentist,” said Joanne Obert, Meharry Medical School student. “You could be whatever you want in terms of science and engineering and
Emmanuel Kotey, a first-year medical student at Meharry Medical College, helps seventh-graders learn how to use a stethoscope at the ‘Go Out And Love Science’ (#GOALS) event.
medicine … finding a career that benefits you, benefits your family, and just truly makes you happy to get up every day and love what you do.”
The event, whose medical-related activities were designed to inspire and empower students to pursue professions in healthcare and related fields, was sponsored by the Ascension Foundation.
“It’s important to introduce all students, but especially students of color, to these exciting careers earlier because sometimes they are actively discouraged from thinking that they can pursue these kinds of careers,” said Robyn Kress, Senior Vice President, Ascension Foundation. “And we really want to flip that. We want to encourage them that medical science needs them, patients and communities need them. And anything that we can do as a foundation to uplift students and inspire them, we’re here to do it.”
“It makes me feel very inspired to know that there’s people who are doing things that I would love to do one day and they’re being really good role models to show me what I could do,” seventh-grader Issac said.
“It makes me feel happy knowing there’s people that look like me or around me that can have the opportunity to do what they do,” added Kimora, an eighth-grader.
A diverse healthcare workforce benefits not only associates, but the communities Ascension serves as well.
“When we are able to diversify our workforce, it really has shown that it has an impact on our outcomes, our quality, the experience that our patients have,” said Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, MPH, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Community
Impact Officer, Ascension, who serves on the Ascension Foundation Board. “Today is really that opportunity to get them engaged, involved, as well as to help them to envision themselves in healthcare.”
“It’s important to introduce all students, but especially students of color, to these exciting careers earlier because sometimes they are actively discouraged from thinking that they can pursue these kinds of careers.”
— ROBYN KRESS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ASCENSION FOUNDATION
Listening and responding to the voices of clinicians is key to the way healthcare is delivered in the Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast Ministry Market. Associates regularly recommend Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast as a place to work, and leaders say it comes down to listening.
“We have seen a lot of rehires and people telling their friends to come work for us,” said Terrie Fontenot, Chief Nursing Officer, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast. “We’ve focused on leadership development, and associates are choosing us and staying with us due to our leaders. We’ve tried to create an environment where nurses can thrive.”
Terrie said one of her approaches to recruitment and retention is to consider the clinicians who leave as alumni and welcome them back when they want to return. She said leaders appreciate the knowledge nurses gain and they’ve created an open environment that associates enjoy.
“Ascension is a welcoming and collaborative culture,” said Shelley Doodeman, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Operations, a new manager in the market. “There is true servant leadership in the Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast Ministry Market, and I think that attracts nurses.”
Developing leaders is intentional and ongoing in the Ministry Market, with teams of associates ready and eager to support and train new managers as they transition from bedside care to leadership roles. A Google Classroom with onboarding materials offers tools, and nurse leader town halls build skills in a discussion format.
“We put our arms around those new leaders to give them additional attention and to grow their skills,” Terrie said. “We believe that those leaders, if they are truly listening to and responding to the voices of those we serve, will be successful.”
In every initiative leaders in the Ministry Market take on, listening and responding to nurse voices takes center stage. Their work on Ascension’s ABIDE (Appreciation - Belongingness - InclusivityDiversity - Equity) framework is focused on engaging associates, reviewing survey results, and holding forums to stay connected and ensure ministries are participating in the ongoing work.
Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast is at the forefront of embracing innovative care delivery models and is eagerly engaging sites of care in the Ascension Optimized Case Management Model rollout. They also participate in the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program for military personnel transitioning to civilian jobs. Ascension trains these highly motivated individuals as they transition and hires many of them into the market.
Leaders say they have a desire to stay at the forefront of change in healthcare, and that they learn what’s working or not working by listening to the front line.
“With case management, we have to become innovative, solve problems and break down barriers,” said Susan Cornejo, Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast. “We sometimes get stuck in a mindset of one way to do things, and there are many ways. We want to be at the forefront of that innovative work.”
Listening and completing the feedback loop by showing associates that changes have been made are key, says Terrie. For example, leaders thought they were doing recognition well but learned through listening sessions that associates wanted to be recognized not just in group settings but also for their individual contributions. They’ve shifted recognition as a result of this feedback.
Nurse leaders are committed to rounding on associates and completing all regular check-ins, with a more than 90% completion rate. They are engaging the nursing community through ABIDE and risk and recovery conversations. The work is all part of the larger environment of inclusivity and belonging.
The effort is reflected in high survey scores by nurses who say they feel the Ministry Market promotes belongingness and inclusivity, as well as consistently high Net Promoter Scores™
“Our market is full of leaders that are open and instill the value of listening to associates and responding,” said Stephanie Ryan, Chief HR Executive. “It can’t be just nursing. Problem-solving goes across all disciplines. This is the key to success.”
Sumi Alias, RN, was chosen for The DAISY Award® for showing positivity and providing important patient education — which made all the difference for one family as they navigated end-of-life care for their grandmother.
“End-of-life care is a very difficult situation. It’s something that we all face, whether for a relative or for ourselves, but typically patients and families come into it not knowing what to expect,” Sumi said. “Being open and explaining how things will look helps put things in perspective and, most importantly, helps them cope.”
Ascension’s Mission calls our associates to advocate and care for not only patients, but their families as well. Sumi demonstrated this commitment by walking alongside the patient and family during this difficult time of transition.
“She took the time to explain the many steps, medications, procedures and so many other things to us,” Sumi’s nominator said. “Although it has been hard, Sumi made it easier with all her support and care.”
The DAISY Award is presented to bedside nurses who display professionalism, exceptional care and leadership. Ascension remains committed to celebrating the many nurses across Ascension who receive The DAISY Award each month. Recognizing and showing appreciation for our extraordinary nurses and nursing support professionals is just one of the ways our nursing community lives out Ascension’s ABIDE framework of Appreciation - Belongingness - Inclusivity - Diversity - Equity.
ASCENSION BUILDING A CULTURE TO ELEVATE NURSING WORK AND NURSE WELL-BEING
Ascension’s Mission calls us to sustain and improve the health of individuals and communities, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. As such, Ascension is dedicated to delivering evidence-based care that results in best outcomes for patients by matching their needs and values with the finest available knowledge of what works.
In addition, Ascension is equipping nurses and nursing support professionals with evidence-based knowledge and skills to competently incorporate the latest scientific evidence into their patient care — an effort that improves the experience of patients and associates alike.
“Nurses and nursing support professionals live out Ascension’s Mission as innovators, scientists, advocates, educators, problem-solvers and professionals,” said Mary Sitterding, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN, Vice President, Nursing Quality and Regulatory, Ascension. “Our integration of evidence-based practice and implementation science leans into their multifaceted contributions to the care team, empowering them to drive exceptional patient care across Ascension.”
Ascension’s nursing quality and regulatory team, along with the nursing practice team, lead several initiatives that offer opportunities for Ascension’s nursing community to influence effective, personalized care across Ascension. These include:
• Ascension’s National Nurse Affinity Groups: Connect bedside nurses with associates at the highest level of decision-making to advance the practice and science of nursing. The groups are Practice Environment, Nurse Leader, Evidence-based Practice/Implementation Science, Case Management and Nursing Research.
• Evidence-based Practice Academy: Advances and sustains an evidence- and strengths-based culture through supporting evidence-based leaders across Ascension.
• National NursingSensitive Quality Initiatives: Identify and address key
opportunities for evidence-based solutions for crucial clinical issues across Ascension. Nurses working with clinicians, performance improvement teams and other stakeholders have dramatically reduced hospital-acquired harm associated with falls, pressure injuries and hospital-acquired infections.
“We’re elevating nurses’ clinical decision-making capabilities and their role as valued partners on the interdisciplinary care team and in the decision-making process that supports high-quality outcomes,” said Ellen Fineout-Overholt, PhD, RN, EBP-C, FNAP, FAAN, National Senior Director, Evidence-based Practice and Implementation Science, Ascension.
Ellen, affectionately known as “EFO,” joined Ascension in March 2022 to build a culture of evidence-based practice across Ascension. She is a recognized nurse leader; educator; academic leader; and promoter of evidence-based practice, innovation, learning and leadership across the U.S. and globally. She has nearly 40 years of nursing experience, including in building a reliable approach to fostering sustainable, evidence-based decision-making. She has created learning resources and published books and articles for clinicians, including co-authoring “Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice.” This bestselling textbook is used by schools of nursing and other health
Members of Ascension’s nursing quality and regulatory team, including, from left, Vallire Hooper, PhD, RN, CPAN, FASPAN, FAA, Senior Nurse Scientist; Ellen Fineout-Overholt, PhD, RN, EBP-C, FNAP, FAAN, National Senior Director, Evidence-based Practice and Implementation Science; Hayley Craft, DNP, RN, Program Manager, Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice; and Mary Sitterding, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN, Vice President, Nursing Quality and Regulatory, gather during the Ascension Texas Nursing Research, Evidence-based Practice and Quality Improvement Symposium. The symposium brought together nurses and other clinicians from across Ascension Texas to promote advancement of clinical research, evidence-based practice and quality improvement.
professions, and related organizations, across the U.S. and internationally.
The nursing quality and regulatory team’s work is grounded in documented relationships among evidence-based practice culture, nurse well-being, satisfaction and retention.
“Nurse well-being is when nurses understand the incredible impact they have on our ministry. Led by Ellen, an international expert in this area, we are building opportunities and a culture for nurses to do just that,” said Maureen “Mo” Chadwick, PhD, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Senior
Vice President, Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer, Ascension. “This will empower nurses to do their best work; adapt to changes; overcome challenges; and support value-informed nursing practice that is safe, reliable and drives economic value to the communities we serve.”
“In addition to benefiting patients, this work will help our nursing community to thrive,” added Becky Hellrich, MSN, RN, NE-BC, NPD-BC, Vice President, Nursing Practice, Ascension. “Through this work, nurses know that they are impacting excellent care and practicing at the top of their license.”
Each year, Ascension’s nurses and nursing support professionals choose a theme to celebrate their continued strength and dedication and to reflect on what their work means to them.
In December, members of the nursing community submitted nearly 500 creative ideas for the 2023 theme. Even with all of those ideas, there was a common thread that pointed to a unique theme for the nursing community, by the nursing community: Called to Care, Lead, Serve.
“Our Ascension nursing community is made up of many different specialties and care settings. However, we are united in our vocation to share our unique gifts with the world as an integral part of our healing ministry,” said Maureen “Mo” Chadwick, PhD, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Senior Vice President, Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer, Ascension. “This theme beautifully illustrates our shared commitment to our Mission and diverse contributions as we work together to provide spiritually centered, holistic care to sustain and improve the health of individuals and communities.”
Guided by this theme, nurses and nursing support professionals will mark 2023 as a year to center on what their calling and Ascension’s Mission mean to them. Called to Care, Lead, Serve will also be the foundation of Ascension’s upcoming celebrations for Nurses Week (May 6-12) and Nursing Assistants Week (June 14-20).
“Our nurses and nursing support professionals bring their gifts to provide compassionate, personalized care to our patients and communities — and each other — every day,” said Joseph R. Impicciche, JD, MHA, Chief Executive Officer, Ascension. “Through their commitment, they bring to life our Mission rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, who ministered to those who needed it most. At Ascension we continue to serve as an unbroken link to that ministry, and our nurses and nursing support professionals are at the heart of it all.”
As Ascension continues to look for opportunities to meet the needs of the communities we serve by addressing social determinants of health, one initiative is demonstrating considerable success.
In 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascension’s Community Benefit team identified food insecurity as a significant need not only in many communities, but also for some of our associates. Consequently, the team organized a cross-functional, multidisciplinary workgroup to look into food access by researching the availability of healthy food options across our national ministry, beginning with Ascension associates.
In early 2022, the Food Insecurity Workgroup convened listening sessions in every Ministry Market. In exchange for completing a short survey about food resources, associates could select healthy grab-and-go meals or produce bags in their workplace cafeterias. In addition, the workgroup provided virtual food pantry access in every market by working with U.S. Hunger/Full Cart® to offer healthy food delivered directly to the participants in exchange for completing a short survey upon signup. This included 10 to 12 pounds of produce and six weeks’ worth of heart-healthy pantry staples for a family of four.
This initiative resulted in Ascension receiving U.S. Hunger’s 2022 Health Hero Award (see sidebar).
From April through May 2022, nearly 30,000 food resources were provided to an estimated 9,500 associates during the listening initiative. More than 5,000 associates responded to surveys on-site, and over 2,000 responded to surveys as part of the healthy food box delivery. One recipient shared: “Getting this box of food reminded me that I can take care of myself by nourishing my body with healthy foods. And finding ways to cook with new ingredients has given me a spark to try new recipes.”
Responses from the surveys validated what was being seen around the country, as associates cited rising food prices and lack of healthy food options as concerns. The survey data was then reviewed during engagement sessions where associates also demonstrated a desire to adjust eating and lifestyle behaviors to achieve better health outcomes and provided suggestions for how Ascension could support their efforts.
Based on these recommendations, the Food Insecurity Workgroup teamed up with TouchPoint Support Services, Ascension’s food service partner, to pilot a farmers market
program in Ascension Wisconsin. The “market” is held monthly, rotating through hospital sites across the state, and offers fresh produce at cost and other healthy food options to associates and visitors.
John Joyce, a leader at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s, said associates have appreciated the convenience of the market. “Our partnership with TouchPoint has allowed us to offer high-quality food at very reasonable prices, and we are pleased to be able to offer this to our hardworking staff,” he said.
In addition to more affordable food options, TouchPoint has also collaborated with Ascension Wisconsin dietitians to
“Getting this box of food reminded me that I can take care of myself by nourishing my body with healthy foods.”
— A FOOD RECIPIENT
develop healthy recipes, incorporating the lowcost seasonal produce into recipes that are then prepared by a TouchPoint chef during a “teaching kitchen” demonstration. The teaching kitchen is available to associates and visitors at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee and Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus.
Mary Paul, Vice President, Solidarity and Social Accountability, Ascension
“We use food as a connector, to identify and provide solutions for addressing the five major determinants of health,” said Mary Paul, Vice President, Solidarity and Social Accountability, Ascension, who serves as the Food Insecurity Workgroup co-lead. “As we begin to look more broadly at the needs of our communities and those we serve, we know that social determinants of health are the underlying socioeconomic factors that cause people to reach out for food assistance.”
The Wisconsin pilot has been well received by many associates, so much so that Ascension is expanding the farmers market concept into the Ascension Saint Agnes market in Maryland this year, with plans to scale in other markets based on market readiness and interest.
“Providing healthy food options to associates is just the beginning,” said Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, MPH, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer, Ascension, and Food Insecurity Workgroup Executive Sponsor. “We are dedicated to addressing other social determinants of health and health disparities through a variety of priorities and initiatives, which includes working to understand the health-related social needs impacting food security among patients and communities at large. This work is truly an amplification of our Mission to serve those who are most vulnerable.”
For its work addressing food insecurity, Ascension received U.S. Hunger’s 2022 Health Hero Award, which honors the organization’s collaborators dedicated to fighting hunger and its root causes. U.S. Hunger is a hunger relief organization with innovative programs designed to help feed the 1 in 4 people struggling with food insecurity, and its Full Cart® virtual food bank can provide 10 to 12 pounds of produce and six weeks’ worth of heart-healthy pantry staples for a family of four. Ascension received the 2022 Hunger Hero during a livestreamed award ceremony in January and was one of only eight organizations in the country to receive the honor.
“Whether hosting meal-packing events in their communities, sponsoring boxes of food for families in need, or investing in our data-analytics system, these organizations embody the core values of corporate social responsibility and community engagement. Each winner has taken a bold stance against food and nutritional insecurity, inequity and plays an active role in the betterment of their communities,” said Rick Whitted, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Hunger.
“Ascension is honored to receive this award as we continue to carry out our Mission and look for opportunities to meet the needs of our associates and the communities we serve,” said Mary Paul, Vice President, Solidarity and Social Accountability, Ascension.
Perhaps during your career at Ascension you’ve been asked what brought you here — was it a friend, a certain project or a job description that caught your eye? Maybe after the care you received at an Ascension facility you felt compelled to pursue a position in healthcare.
Whatever your story, an even more important question may be, “What makes you stay?”
Ascension continues to find ways to listen and launch initiatives that help recruit and retain top talent in a competitive healthcare landscape.
… In their own words, associates across Ascension are talking about why they choose to continue to serve as part of Ascension. Following are just a few of their stories.
“The overall feeling is different at Ascension. I love the atmosphere and the staff. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else because I know no one else’s team is like ours.”
“I am inspired by how close we all are. We have a wonderful camaraderie that unites us to serve patients. We jump in and help each other when we see someone struggling. It doesn’t matter who it is. If we see someone struggling, we jump in and help.”
— Charita Reeves, Certified Medical Assistant, Ascension St. Vincent, Indiana
“My leadership has always been supportive of me as an employee. I am able to work part time and take care of my kids. It’s one of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed at Ascension.”
— Stephanie Kosidowski, PT, Physical Therapist, Ascension Wisconsin
“I’ve been with Ascension for a long time, almost 17 years, and a lot of these people have become my friends and almost kind of like my family. They’ve helped me in the learning. It’s a very challenging environment and I just love coming to work.”
— Joyce Mateo, PharmD, Clinical Staff Pharmacist, Ascension Seton, Austin, Texas
Some associates leave Ascension but later decide to come back.
“I got a PRN job with Ascension and loved it so much I decided to come back. I left for about a year and decided to come back.
I just remember the people that I worked with, and it was like a big family. I feel very blessed and fortunate to be here.”
—
“I returned to Ascension because I couldn’t imagine working at any other place. When I left to go back home [to Louisiana], there was not an Ascension facility in the area I was in, which made me very sad. I actually chose to stay at home for 10 months rather than returning to a place that couldn’t hold up to what I had gotten used to.”
—
“I spent some time away from Ascension. What brought me back was the culture. The opportunities within Ascension are just massive. We have any position here, within our organization, that you could ever want. All the way from working at the bedside all the way up into these big executive positions that make a difference nationally.”
— Cydney Colley, BSN, RN, BSES, CPC, Career Coach, Ascension
“I left bedside [nursing] for a little while and did some hospice. I just couldn’t help but come back. My heart was literally pulling me back to this place. The people here are amazing. The welcome that I got whenever I returned, it was like I never left — and actually maybe even a little better because they were so happy to see me come back.”
— Craig Conn, ASN, RN, RN Manager Renal/Respiratory, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast
“I love that associates are willing to share their unique journey with others so they can be inspired and encouraged,” said Ellen Gifford, Senior Vice President, Talent Strategy and Innovation, Human Resources, Ascension. “Despite how increasingly competitive the healthcare industry has become, there are so many people who have chosen to stay and serve at Ascension.”
Ascension continues to explore innovative approaches that provide associates greater flexibility. About 10,000 clinical associates from various job families were surveyed last December, ranking 10 different flexible work options. Based on their responses, enhancements will be made to ensure their preferences are heard and implemented.
“We know the most successful initiatives take into consideration the people who will be impacted the most by the
decisions,” said Anne Pankonien, Vice President, Talent Strategy, Human Resources, Ascension. “We’re eager to put flexible scheduling and self-scheduling technology into place, knowing it’s what so many of our associates prefer.” Ascension also launched the Associate Travel Program in 2020 as a way to allow associates to stay within Ascension but serve in other markets, taking on 8- to 13-week assignments across the System. Following are a few of their stories.
“I’ve worked at many hospitals in my 13 years of nursing, and I have never seen collaboration like I have at Ascension. Everyone has a voice, and the respect demonstrated cultivates a strong learning and patientcentered environment.”
— Larry Atherton, MSN, RN, CEN, Travel Nurse
“I chose Ascension because I feel like they’re the total package. They have benefits, they have locations that I wanted, and because I had worked at Ascension in the past, I knew that the people I was going to work with I was gonna love.”
— Abbie Manske, RN, Travel Nurse
Also introduced in 2020 was myCareer, a way to help associates reach their full potential at Ascension. A recent McKinsey & Company report found that providing career advancement opportunities, especially for front-line associates, drives retention. The study also found that associates would rather stay with their employer and advance within the organization than pursue external roles.
“Ascension’s greatest strength is our associates, and we are proud to provide new and innovative ways to foster career growth and mobility across our national network of hospitals,” said Lauren King, Senior Director, Associate Life Cycle, Human Resources, Ascension. “We have empowered our associates through an internal movement initiative that encourages a vibrant workforce and allows for career growth in a rapidly changing environment.”
“I’ve been here a little over seven years and started off in one position, transferred into another and then into another and now into this role. I think it’s really valuable to develop your current team and build them up and try to be able to promote from within.”
— Shane Chordas, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy, Ascension Sacred Heart, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast “I stay at Ascension because they have provided me every opportunity to advance my career. I started out as a medical assistant 19 years ago, and now I’m a Clinical Operations Director.”
— Jennifer Henry, CMA, Director, Health Education Liaison, Ascension St. Vincent’s, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast
Many myCareer Talent Advisors are available to assist all associates with resumes, finding open positions that align with their current role, applying for different roles, and navigating the application system.
In addition, Nursing Career Coaches support associates through personal and professional growth and development, using the coaching process to promote the flourishing and retention of associates, specifically Ascension clinicians, including nurses and nursing support professionals. To learn more, associates can visit the Growth and Development site using the QR code at right.
Last year, Ascension launched Vocare (a Latin word meaning “to call”), focused on helping associates build new skills and gain healthcare certifications or degrees debt-free. The initial tracks of Vocare focus on vital clinical roles such as pharmacy and surgical techs, and the program will expand to include healthcare degrees and coursework as it grows.
“This program will advance Ascension as an employer committed to ongoing development by fostering an environment full of resources that support continued growth for our associates throughout their careers,” Anne said.
The New Beginnings program at Ascension Holy Family hospital in Des Plaines, Illinois, supports a less traditional, often overlooked portion of the U.S. homeless population: immigrant youth and unaccompanied minors.
Teresa Del Toro, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager, and her team have supported the health and safety of more than 1,500 immigrant youth, many of whom are in desperate need of shelter, medical attention, physical and emotional support, and an opportunity to move forward.
“They are children who want to live a better life, a normal life,” Teresa said. “They want to go to school and be someone. Many of them come with heavy hearts and think, ‘I’ve really got to work hard to take care of my family that’s left behind.’”
Since 2017, Ascension Holy Family has worked with Maryville, which houses unaccompanied minors ages 12 to 17 and provides essential services through New Beginnings’ pediatric component Youth Moving Forward, or Jóvenes Adelante.
As the name suggests, Youth Moving Forward helps immigrant youth find healthy pathways to safety, transitional shelter and family reunification. Teresa and the New Beginnings team are the first stop for youth before they begin rebuilding their lives at Maryville.
“There are children who have had limited schooling, or who haven’t seen one parent for 10 years because they are here in the United States while the other was left behind in their home country,” Teresa said. “They may have psychological and mental health issues because of the poverty, harsh conditions and limited resources they had.”
The collaboration between New Beginnings and Youth Moving Forward addresses such barriers, anticipates the physical and emotional needs of children who have traveled without the physical protection of their
“They are children who want to live a better life, a normal life. They want to go to school and be someone. Many of them come with heavy hearts and think, ‘I’ve really got to work hard to take care of my family that’s left behind.’ ”
— TERESA DEL TORO, BSN, RN, NURSE MANAGER, ASCENSION HOLY FAMILY, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS
families, and preserves the human dignity of each child. New Beginnings also provides primary care services for youth housed at Maryville.
“The mandatory health screenings we provide help make sure they are safe to be sheltered at Maryville. If there is an issue, we address it,” Teresa said. “If we need to send them to specialists or get them to the next level of care, that’s what we do.”
The New Beginnings team supports immigrant youth from various countries including Afghanistan and Ukraine, but because the majority of children served are Hispanic or Latin American, the Spanish-speaking ability of the entire team makes them more effective as liaisons between the children and Maryville, which works closely with the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
“All of our New Beginnings staff speak Spanish, so language barriers are not often an issue here,” Teresa said. “We meet the children where they are and establish a level of trust.”
Besides building trust and effective communication, Teresa attributes the program’s success to her team’s dedication to Ascension’s Mission commitment to compassionately serve those who are poor and vulnerable and to the ABIDE hallmarks of Appreciation - Belongingness - Inclusivity - Diversity - Equity.
“The goals of New Beginnings and Youth Moving Forward align with our Mission because we see patients of all cultures and make them all feel accepted. We treat them with respect, with care. There is no difference for us,” Teresa said. “Our goal is to give good quality care and establish a trusting relationship with all of our patients, regardless of their race, religion or socioeconomic status.”
The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports about 580,000 people are living in stages of homelessness in the United States. The majority of people who are unhoused are adults and 30% include families with children.Teresa Del Toro serves as Nurse Manager, New Beginnings, at Ascension Holy Family, Des Plaines, Illinois.
Ascension is dedicated to engaging the persons we serve by providing seamless, holistic care across their health journey. For those living with diabetes, this approach to care is essential in improving their health not only today, but in the years to come.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 37 million people in the U.S. live with diabetes. And 96 million adults — or more than 1 in 3 — have prediabetes.
Diabetes is a complex group of diseases marked by high blood glucose due to the body’s inability to make or use insulin. Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, blindness, kidney disease, disease of the nervous system, amputations and premature death.
Last fiscal year, Ascension achieved its short-term clinical priority goal to strengthen care for the whole person for Ascension Medical Group (AMG) patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The goal aimed to provide holistic care by focusing on a comprehensive measure set for diabetes including hemoglobin A1c testing, hemoglobin A1c control, controlling high blood pressure, statin use and kidney disease monitoring.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascension exceeded its goal and saw an increase of 4.8% compared to the previous year. This equated to more than 8,504 AMG patients successfully meeting all the measures in our diabetes standard of care composite.
“To be successful in diabetes care, we must consider additional facets in addition to closing gaps in care,” said Melinda Mackey, Senior Director, Quality, Ascension. “Proper diabetes management is essential to not only controlling blood glucose, but to reducing risks for complications and ultimately prolonging life. By taking a holistic approach to care, we can help our patients better self-manage their diabetes, take their medications as prescribed, eat healthier, quit smoking and reduce barriers to resources.”
A team approach is a key driver in ensuring success. This team may include a patient’s AMG primary care clinician, specialists, a social worker, a care manager and a pharmacist.
“For many of our patients, a diabetes diagnosis is life changing,” said Tricia Killingsworth, RPh, National Director of Pharmacy
At Ascension Saint Agnes in Baltimore, Care Manager Silvia Freyre helped Keith Nelson, Pulmonary Function Technologist, reduce his A1c level and lose weight — achieving his health goals.
Services Integration, Ascension. “It is a chronic condition that requires a dedicated care team to help our patients navigate the disease. Managing their medications such as statins, insulin and other chronic medications is a large component of this work.”
Rebecca Hopper, PharmD, BSPharm, BCACP, CDCES, BCADM, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, AMG Tennessee, is one of many pharmacists at Ascension dedicated to delivering care for persons with diabetes.
“As pharmacists, we play a pivotal role in supporting our patients, especially in the time between visits with their doctor,” Dr. Hopper said. “With the help of virtual care, we are now providing real-time feedback to help our patients adhere to their medications. We check in on how they are feeling, update dosing as appropriate and connect them to resources to help them better self-manage their disease.
“Recently, one of my patients shared with me that she was not taking her medications because she could not afford it,” she said. “I was able to connect her to a patient resource program for Medicare members, which helped her obtain her medications. By addressing barriers to her care, we helped decrease her A1c level, or her average blood glucose level, from 11% to 6.8% — roughly the healthy A1c level we aim to achieve for most of our diabetes patients.”
Additionally, clinicians can refer patients to care management programs designed to help give them the confidence they need to self-manage their diabetes. For example, Ascension SmartHealth offers an enhanced disease management (EDM) program for members with diabetes. Care managers can help members recognize the signs of low and high blood glucose levels, provide nutrition coaching, assist with scheduling annual recommended screenings, and more.
SmartHealth member Keith Nelson was a recent participant who saw success with the program. He reduced his A1c level from 8.3% to 7.3% and lost more than 30 pounds during the four-month program.
“For more than 30 years, I have had diabetes,” Keith said. “As the EDM program was available at no extra cost to me through the medical plan, I had nothing to lose by enrolling. My care manager, Silvia Freyre, worked closely with me and held me accountable in achieving my health goals. She provided me with a positive mindset and offered healthy recipe ideas to help
Example patient Marty has diabetes. By working collaboratively across care teams, Ascension clinicians can help Marty control 100% of these key diabetic health measures and provide high-quality and holistic care.
Diabetic retinal screening
Tobacco cessation
Hemoglobin A1c control
Immunizations (influenza and pneumococcal)
Kidney disease monitoring
High blood pressure control
Hemoglobin A1c testing
Medication adherence
Statin therapy
Foot exam
How are you delivering holistic care to help those with diabetes? Share your story by scanning the QR code at right.
HOLISTIC CARE
Patient has control of all measures
100%
manage my nutrition. Since finishing the program, my A1c level continues to decline and I’ve lost more than 79 pounds now. My wife has also lost weight as we’ve made lifestyle changes together. Silvia’s help has made a huge difference in my life.”
SmartHealth members can learn more about the EDM program and how to enroll by visiting bit.ly/3LqOF7P.
“Our clinicians are not only treating the complications patients are facing today, but they are providing proactive care that will keep them healthy tomorrow, too,” said Maria Mupanomunda, MD, PhD, MBA, Director, Quality - Health Equity, Ascension.
125th anniversary
Ascension St. Vincent’s marks 125 years as a ministry this year and began celebrations with a special Mass officiated by Bishop Steven Raica. Four Daughters of Charity were instrumental in opening Birmingham’s first hospital in 1898. Their calling was to build a hospital and healthcare community to ensure those living in poverty had access to lifesaving care. The hospital was named for St. Vincent de Paul, a Daughters of Charity founder.
Ascension Saint Agnes held its Healing Hands Society ceremony and reception and inducted these doctors into the group’s 2022 class: Drs. Sambandam Baskaran, Damian Birchess, Robin Li and Robert Ross. This honorary membership group celebrates those who have excelled in clinical excellence, innovation, leadership and service to the community.
Leaders discuss challenges
Ascension Saint Agnes hosted a legislative breakfast on the state of healthcare and the challenges hospitals are facing. Attendees included some of Maryland’s top elected officials. Ascension Saint Agnes CEO Ed Lovern discussed the state of the hospital, especially the heroic work of the hospital’s 69 doctors listed in Baltimore magazine’s Top Docs as well as a collaboration with Morgan State University’s new medical school.
Six Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast hospitals launched a concierge program to support emergency department
patients who need follow-up care after discharge. The ER concierge can set up appointment reminders for patients and schedule transportation if needed. The program is available at no additional cost.
Living-donor kidney transplant program
Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola expanded its kidney donor program to include living donors. As the only hospital in Northwest Florida with a kidney transplant program, the expansion helps Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola continue to address a service need in the region.
Vaccines for vulnerable persons
Hospitals throughout Ascension Illinois collaborated with local organizations to provide an estimated 3,000 flu vaccines at 100 different clinics from October to December. The effort helped meet the needs of the most vulnerable, for whom protecting themselves against the flu isn’t as easy as heading to the nearest pharmacy or doctor’s office.
Patients receive prayer blankets
For the 14th consecutive year, associates at Ascension Alexian Brothers worked with community faith organizations to create and distribute prayer blankets to hospital patients most in need.
Ceremonies celebrate new facilities
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Ascension St. Vincent Brain and Spine Hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony was also held for the Ascension St. Vincent West Lafayette micro-hospital adjacent to Purdue University
in that town. This facility is the first development of what will become a larger medical complex focused primarily on outpatient care.
Team completes 100,000 procedures
The Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center Cath Lab team completed its 100,000th cardiac catheterization/ electrophysiology procedure since the Indianapolis hospital opened in 2002.
Police, security officers commissioned
Ascension St. Vincent is the first Ascension ministry with an in-house police department. Indiana was one of the first states to pass a statute allowing hospitals to have their own police departments.
Ascension Medical Mission
In collaboration with St. Monica Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent held a successful Medical Mission event providing medical, dental and diabetes screenings and COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, and distributing coats, winter accessories, boxes of food and personal care items.
KANSAS
Groundbreaking mitral valve replacement
A Hutchinson, Kansas, patient became the first person in the world to undergo
a transcatheter mitral valve replacement addressing both severe mitral stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation using a new minimally invasive mitral valve replacement system. The procedure was performed at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, one of only five centers worldwide selected to participate in a feasibility study of the system.
Center reaches safety milestone Wamego Health Center celebrated its fifth consecutive year without any serious safety events. “This is a huge accomplishment and I’m so proud of our team for being the reason we are able to celebrate this significant milestone,” said Brian Howells, hospital administrator.
Ascension Genesys Hospital hosted a medication take–back day with an estimated 100 pounds of oral, liquid and topical medications, and controlled substance injectables and patches, collected.
Through the generosity of Ascension St. Mary’s Foundation, a $1 million mobile 3D mammography breast cancer screening center will begin to travel across the mid, northern and thumb regions of Michigan. The state-of-the-art clinic on wheels helps early detection of breast cancer, which is prevalent in rural communities without access to mammography services.
Dr. Nishtha Sareen recognized
Nishtha Sareen, MD, MPH, FACC, interventional cardiologist and Medical Director for the women’s heart health program in Ascension Michigan, was named to the 2022 Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40 leader list.
The Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital Trauma department, Emergency Services and Surgical Services held their first Trauma Day. To create a collaborative experience and day of learning, 40 medical residents from the emergency room and surgery, midlevel providers, and medical students attended lectures and hands-on stations.
New pavilion opens Lourdes held a ribbon cutting for the new Lourdes Pavilion Health Center. The center offers primary, specialty and urgent care, lab services, imaging, and rehabilitation. A full-service drive-thru pharmacy will open later in 2023.
Nurses honored Ascension St. John nurses were honored at the Great 100 Nurses of Oklahoma celebration: Liz Bell, Madison Cruise, Abelina Garcia Dean, Joni Randleman, Stacey Welch and Courtney Wolski. Nurses are selected for their concern for humanity, contributions to the profession of nursing and mentoring of others.
Security receives federal grant
Ascension St. John Security received three grants from the Department of Homeland Security. The grants will provide for mobile radios and camera monitoring systems for Ascension St. John Jane Phillips and Ascension St. John Broken Arrow and an interactive officer training system housed at Ascension St. John Medical Center, which will include instruction for active shooter response and peaceful resolution to critical events.
New facilities
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown celebrated the opening of the new Surgery & Critical Care Tower and The Spine Institute. This event marked the most recent completion in the Midtown modernization that will distinguish it as a clinically and technologically advanced healthcare destination.
Foundation and community donation
Ascension Saint Thomas West and Midtown campuses received a $15 million donation from the Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation and community donors for investing in the long-term health of the Nashville community,
which includes projects supporting oncology, the emergency department and mental health services.
Milk drop depot opens
The Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee (MMBTN) and Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown opened MMBTN’s 15th Milk Drop Depot at the hospital’s Breastfeeding Clinic. MMBTN provides safe, pasteurized donor human milk to the most vulnerable babies.
Geronimo Rodriguez honored “CBS This Morning” featured the 40th anniversary of the College Assistance Migrant Program of St. Edward’s University in Austin, and Geronimo Rodriguez, Chief Advocacy Officer of Ascension Texas, was included. More than 30 years ago, while a migrant worker, Geronimo was chosen for a scholarship to attend St. Edward’s, changing the trajectory of his life. During national and local CBS stories, Geronimo talked with gratitude about his journey through undergraduate
and law school, cuidense (taking care of each other), and giving back. The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented him with its Lifetime Award, which recognizes exemplary community leaders.
Ascension Providence recognized
Ascension Providence in Waco was named the state’s Large Employer of the Year by the Texas Workforce Commission and its Workforce Solutions partners.
Nurse training program
Ascension Texas is supporting The University of Texas at Arlington with a $150,000 gift to its Accelerated Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, designed to spread the impact of nursing. Students can complete their facultysupervised lab and clinical experiences through partner hospital systems and healthcare facilities around the country, allowing nursing professionals to earn degrees from the largest producer of registered nurses in Texas and one of the largest in the country.
Dental services expand
Ascension Seton Dental Services opened a new urgent care location at Ascension St. Francis Hospital on Milwaukee’s South Side to provide services for
children and adults who are uninsured and underinsured, and will open another facility on Milwaukee’s North Side.
Notable heroes in healthcare
BizTimes recognized the accomplishments of Ascension Wisconsin team members for making a positive difference on the front lines of healthcare. Its 2022 “Notable Heroes in Healthcare” included Brenda Buchanan, RN; Charles Kosowski, DDS; Karen Watson, MD; Bhupendra Khatri, MD; and Ascension All SaintsFamily Health Center.
Susan Huber appointed Board Chair
At its November 2022 meeting, the Global Solidarity Fund (GSF) Board of Directors approved the appointment of Susan Huber, President, Ascension Global Mission, to her second, three-year term on the board and elected her to her first, one-year term as Board Chair. Susan succeeds Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, who completed his second year as Board Chair. GSF was founded by Ascension through Ascension Global Mission and seven international foundations in 2019.
Impact investment funding achieved Ascension Investment Management successfully aggregated an additional $100 million from Catholic institutional investors to fund impact investments, which are intended to generate a beneficial social and/or environmental impact, while seeking a market-based return.
Lionel Taylor honored Lionel Taylor, Assistant Administrator, Ascension Living Carroll Manor, was named an Infection Control Hero by DC
Health, the Department of Health for Washington, D.C. He was also honored by the Ceca Foundation for finding new and creative ways to promote the Ceca Award to staff and residents. The Ceca Award recognizes the work of exceptional caregivers in healthcare communities.
8 facilities among nation’s best Eight Ascension skilled nursing facilities were named by U.S. News and World Report as some of “America’s Best Nursing Homes.” “This designation is a testament to the dedication, personalized care and service provided by every member of our care teams, who are driven by a commitment to delivering quality care and living out our Mission,” said Lisa Musgrave, MHA, BSN, RN, Senior Vice President of Post-Acute and At-Home Services, Ascension.
Dual accreditation
Ascension Rx has received a second accreditation for its Specialty Pharmacy services in Michigan. Already accredited by URAC (formerly the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission), the pharmacy achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. Specialty pharmacies are designed to improve clinical and economic outcomes for patients with complex conditions.
Ascension among ‘most wired’ Ascension was named a “Most Wired” healthcare organization by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. Ascension received the Quality award and Level 8 certification in recognition of technology, data and experience strategies that expand access
to care and improve health outcomes. The awards benchmark Ascension technology capabilities against 38,000 other national healthcare organizations.
Senior investment team changes Ryan Schuler, a 20-year veteran of Ascension Ventures, was promoted to Senior Managing Director, Firm Lead. John Kuelper, with the firm since 2014, was promoted to Senior Managing Director and heads its healthcare IT investment practice. New Managing Directors are Sean Cheng, Pooja Goel and Taha Jangda.
Seton Center welcomes Molly Turner Molly Turner was named Executive Director of Seton Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Molly has 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and public
sectors. She previously served as Executive Director of the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired in Kansas City.
Providing inclusive supplies
The Resource Group’s ABIDE Council supports integration of the ABIDE hallmarks across initiatives and day-to-day business practices. The council’s work inspired a review of contracted personal and bedside patient care items (e.g., bandages, hair products, hygiene products) to promote inclusion by respecting differences across cultures and ethnicities. With review of 14 items complete, and additional items in process, The Resource Group aims to improve the patient experience by providing choice and comfort for each patient’s care journey.
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Kevin Morton, DO, was seriously wounded by a gunshot after leaving his work shift in 2007. At the time, he was a student at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, and worked nights at a restaurant in Detroit.
“I was 22 years old and taking biochemistry in hopes of working in the field of pharmaceuticals,” Dr. Morton said. The bullet passed through his stomach, diaphragm, pancreas and two main blood vessels.
“I woke up on the table in the trauma center and I remember people working on me,” he said.
His painful road to recovery led him to his new purpose:
helping others the way he was helped by surgeon Dharti Sheth, MD, and the care team at Ascension St. John.
“The compassion and drive that Dr. Sheth had shown in trying to save my life, I wanted to pay that forward,” Dr. Morton said.
Dr. Morton’s experience as a patient inspired him to become a trauma surgeon at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Madison Heights Campus, Michigan.
In addition to treating patients, he helps medical residents strengthen their skills. His role as Medical Director ensures that care teams are equipped with technologies and procedures to care for patients during their most critical moments.
